Burnout and Compassion Fatigue A career path in counseling can be exceptionally rewarding, however it will likely come with many trials and tribulations as well. Two common conditions that effect those in the helping profession are burnout and compassion fatigue. By understanding what causes these conditions and how we can prevent them we can continue to be effective helpers. In this paper we will examine some stressors that may cause burnout and compassion fatigue. We will also discuss the signs that suggest these conditions as well as how self-care methods may help to avoid burnout and compassion fatigue. Finally we will discuss some self-care strategies that I feel I will use when working with others in the future. What is Burnout and Compassion Fatigue? Though both of these conditions effect helpers who are not …show more content…
As is stated above burnout comes from being overworked. The early symptoms of burnout are not difficult to notice, they include “frequent colds, reduced sense of accomplishment, headaches, fatigue, lowered resiliency and moodiness and increased interpersonal conflicts” (Portnoy, 2011). New social workers are often excited, energetic, and ready to take on whatever comes at them. Little do they know that compassion fatigue is grabbing at their heels and threatening their mental state. Compassion fatigue can effect an individual quiet suddenly and it provides very little warning before it occurs. For this reason it is important to be aware of the signs. Some early signs of compassion fatigue may include “feelings of anxiety, difficulty concentrating, being jumpy or easily startled, irritability, difficulty sleeping, excessive emotional numbing, and intrusive images of another’s traumatic material (Portnoy, 2011). Though these conditions trouble many in the helping profession self-care strategies can help reduce the likely hood of their